On August 8, 2018, the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in Brazil hosted a spiritual retreat for all the aspirants of the Jurisdiction. The retreat took place at the beginning of the second semester of the formation year and was held at the Imaculada Retreat Center outside of São Luís, Maranhão state, Brazil.
The theme of the retreat was “The Fraternity in Francis of Assisi”, presented by Friar Gleison SILVA CONCEIÇAO, OFM Conv. The retreat provided time for fraternal discussion, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, the reading of Franciscan texts, confession and Mass.
Recognizing the necessity of a spiritual retreat, for sharing and fraternal life, is of vital importance for the spiritual formation of a candidate for the postulancy. He must read, study and meditate upon the Word of God, both personally and communally (through Lectio divina and the devout celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours). This is what will nourish the prayer life, spiritual life and community life of a future friar. He must also develop a profound sense of the sacred in these celebrations.
At the same time, regarding his spiritual life, the candidate must be able to cultivate moments of intimate and personal dialogue with God, and make this habitual, following the example of Jesus and his filial relationship with the Father. In this way, the aspirant can harmoniously combine liturgical and communal prayer with his personal prayer life.
Friar Roberto Honorato REMÉDIOS
Custodial Vocation Animator and Formator
